Xinxiang Travel Guide with an Average Cost of 1020+! Unlock the Taihang Red Cliffs, Local Life, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Flavors
Who gets it! Xinxiang is truly Henan’s “Hidden Hardcore Treasure City” — the waterfall at Baoquan crashes into the Red Stone Canyon, Guoliang Hanging Highway carves through the Taihang cliffs, the red-braised mutton on West Street smells of old broth, and a bite of Niuzhongxi sesame cake paired with Yuanyang stewed noodles perfectly blends the majestic ruggedness of the “Backbone of South Taihang” with the warm local life of the “Central Plains Granary”~ Tested 4-day slow travel itinerary, avoiding tourist traps, packing in natural wonders, cultural heritage, and authentic Henan flavors, no rush, no pitfalls, perfect for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike!
📍 Must-Read Before You Go: Money-Saving Tips + Pitfall Avoidance Guide
• Transportation: Zhengzhou high-speed train reaches Xinxiang East Station in 30 minutes, Beijing high-speed train takes 3 hours; city shared electric scooters cost 25 RMB/day and are super convenient for city touring; take the direct scenic bus to Baoquan (1.5 hours direct), carpool to Wanxianshan costs about 50 RMB per person; for South Taihang scenic spots, it’s recommended to join official tour groups (to avoid price hikes), daily transport costs around 60 RMB.
• Accommodation: Choose the city center in Hongqi District (90-110 RMB per night per person), within walking distance to Pangdonglai and food streets, convenient for eating and shopping; for immersive experience, stay at cliffside homestays in Guoliang Village (130 RMB per night per person), with windows overlooking the Red Cliffs, some featuring cave library designs, book at least one week in advance during peak season; avoid “last-minute” accommodations near scenic spots, Taihang mountain homestays mostly use solar water heaters, so shower early.
• Tickets: Pingyuan Museum, Wei River Park, and Tongmeng Ancient Town are all free; booking Baoquan Scenic Area tickets online saves 20 RMB (students half price 40 RMB); Wanxianshan including Guoliang Village ticket is 80 RMB; Bali Valley scenic area combo tickets are cheaper online.
• Pitfalls to Avoid: Don’t hike solo on wild trails in South Taihang (slippery after rain), beginners should hire guides; be cautious buying “cheap mountain goods” roadside in scenic areas, many are fake from outside; for Yuanyang stewed noodles, choose “white broth” old shops to avoid diluted soup bases.
🌟 4-Day Highlight Itinerary: Slow Strolls, Immersive Taihang Experience
Day 1: Red Cliff Waterfall → Unlock Taihang’s Spirit at Baoquan
Arrive in the morning and head straight to Panghai Breakfast, 10 RMB for a bowl of steamed chicken broth tofu pudding, tender and flavorful, paired with an egg-filled fried dough stick, crispy and juicy, instantly healed by Xinxiang’s local life vibe!
In the afternoon, rush to Baoquan Scenic Area, the “emerald water and red mountains” lives up to its name, the 320-meter drop Jianlong Waterfall looks like a flying cloud dragon, the Jade Pool’s water is emerald green, mountain breeze ripples the surface rhythmically; stroll along the “Love Corridor” with strange rocks and flowing water, the “Stone of Joy from Heaven” and “Companion Stone” are full of romance, the Chinese Thousand Waterfalls Valley with pools every five steps and waterfalls every ten steps is a Taihang wonder.
At dusk, check in at Yatianxia Park, hike the Dan Cliff Sky Road for panoramic views of Qu Gorge, daredevils can try the cliff swing, screaming and releasing stress against the backdrop of the red silk cliffs; sunset on the Red Cliff glows golden, perfect for photos.
Return to the city at night to eat at Changlaishun Red-Braised Mutton (CCTV recommended intangible cultural heritage food), mutton tender and gelatinous, rich but not greasy broth, eat meat first then dip vegetables, finish with handmade noodles soaking up the broth, about 60 RMB per person for a satisfying meal.
Day 2: Cliff Exploration → Unlock Hardcore Scenery in South Taihang
Depart at 9 AM for Wanxianshan, take the scenic bus through Guoliang Hanging Highway, feel the heroic feat of Taihang people carving roads through mountains, the window beside you reveals a thousand-foot abyss, carving marks clearly visible, breathtakingly speechless.
In the morning, explore Guoliang Village, cliffside homes built into the mountain, stone houses, stone mills full of rustic charm, take panoramic photos of the hanging highway from the viewing platform, sunlight piercing through the road skylight creates beautiful light and shadow; on the way, visit Heilongtan Waterfall, where the waterfall plunges into the ink pool, hiding the fairy traces of Taihang.
Lunch in the village with local clay pot salty rice, meat, radish, and vermicelli stewed in chicken broth, rich in sauce flavor, paired with stir-fried wild vegetables and eggs, fresh and delicious, about 45 RMB per person for authentic farmhouse taste.
In the afternoon, head to Bali Valley, stroll along the valley bottom path, small bridges, flowing water, and winding paths create a secluded atmosphere, many waterfalls and pools at the valley bottom, look up to see cliff plank roads winding through the mountains; visit Bali Valley’s big waterfall, the mist brings a refreshing coolness, remember to bring a raincoat to avoid getting wet.
Stay overnight at Guoliang Village homestay, sit in the courtyard drinking local rice wine, watch stars dot the Taihang night sky, peaceful and healing.
Day 3: Cultural Heritage → Unlock Millennium History in the Ancient City
In the morning, visit Pingyuan Museum, a free national key museum holding the Central Plains code, rich exhibitions and archives help you understand Xinxiang’s historical changes, the building is grand and photogenic.
Lunch with Yuanyang stewed noodles, milky white lamb bone broth simmered for hours, handmade noodles chewy, meat tender and soup fresh, a sip of soup warms the whole body, about 20 RMB per person for satisfaction.
In the afternoon, stroll Tongmeng Ancient Town, inns renovated from Ming and Qing architecture with antique charm, street-side handmade shops and teahouses abound, experience intangible cultural heritage Liang family flower buns making, vividly colored with fruit and vegetable juice, perfect as souvenirs; wander the alleys to feel the slow rural atmosphere.
At dusk, walk along Wei River Park, roses blooming, lotus flowers swaying in ponds, citizens exercising, children playing, full of warm life; before nightfall, check out both sides of Wei River, feel the tranquility by the “Wei Riverbank.”
At night, hit West Street Night Market, 15 RMB for a serving of Jinling cold jelly, 8 RMB for a Xu Ji meat sandwich, plus a bowl of sweet, sour, spicy hot pot (unique Xinxiang flavor), about 35 RMB per person to eat until you can barely stand.
Day 4: Intangible Heritage Flavors → Bring Taihang’s Taste Home
In the morning, visit Yiheng Street Food Street, sample local specialties, 10 RMB for a serving of Yanjin Huoshao (intangible cultural heritage food), golden crispy outside, soft multi-layered inside, meat juice and flour fragrance blend; then try Fengqiu rolled tips, egg skin chewy, minced meat tender, dipping in garlic sauce is super flavorful.
Lunch with spicy noodles like Wulala’s, rich oily red sauce with sweet and sour taste, gluten soaked in broth, aroma intoxicating, you can also choose the dry-fried version “Xinxiang pasta” for a chewier texture.
In the afternoon, try Niuzhongxi sesame cake DIY, learn from a master the century-old intangible cultural heritage sesame cake, sweet and savory flavors available, flaky and layered, fragrant but not greasy, finished cakes can be packed to go.
Buy souvenirs: vacuum-packed Niuzhongxi sesame cakes, Luoguo braised meat (stewed in century-old broth), Liang family flower buns, packing all Xinxiang intangible heritage flavors; visit Henan Normal University nearby, feel the youthful campus vibe, stroll and take photos on the tree-lined paths.
In the evening, return home with a full harvest, storing the grandeur of Taihang and the local life of Xinxiang in your memory~
🍜 Must-Try Food List (Tested and Trusted, Locals’ Secret)
1. Red-Braised Mutton: Changlaishun Red-Braised Mutton, intangible cultural heritage food, tender meat and rich broth, dipping vegetables and noodles is super fragrant;
2. Yuanyang Stewed Noodles: Old brand stewed noodle shop, milky broth + handmade noodles, fresh and rich flavor;
3. Niuzhongxi Sesame Cake: Liberation Avenue flagship store, Chinese time-honored brand, sweet and savory flavors, flaky and layered;
4. Yanjin Huoshao: Street stall, intangible cultural heritage delicacy, crispy outside, tender inside, juicy meat;
5. Clay Pot Salty Rice: Wanxianshan farmhouse dish, saucy and soft, with rich side dishes;
6. Sweet, Sour, Spicy Hot Pot: West Street Xiaolan Ice City, unique Xinxiang flavor, a blend of sweet, sour, and spicy that’s addictive.
Xinxiang’s beauty is “the gentleness and depth hidden in its hardcore spirit” — no over-commercialized noise, only the grandeur of Taihang, the tranquility of ancient villages, the fresh aroma of snacks, and the genuine warmth of Xinxiang people. No need to rush, just explore cliffs, stroll ancient towns, and eat delicious food daily to feel the city’s unique warmth.
Breakfast shop owners add extra broth willingly, homestay hosts patiently tell stories of the hanging highway, scenic area elders enthusiastically recommend hiking shortcuts, and a hot bowl of red-braised mutton and a crispy sesame cake bring solid satisfaction~ If you love nature, history, and authentic food, Xinxiang is definitely worth the trip, because “Xinxiang’s romance is hidden in every waterfall, every inch of red cliff, and every bite of fresh flavor”!
Xinxiang Travel Guide Henan Budget Travel 4 Days 3 Nights Free Travel South Taihang Scenic Tour Intangible Cultural Heritage Food Tour